Carl Froch, who retained his WBA and IBF super-middleweight titles via a controversial 9th-round stoppage over a highly dangerous and highly skilled George Groves, has spoken about the possibility of a rematch. Fans everywhere are almost certainly going to all but demand a return for two reasons: the great action last night’s fight provided and the premature nature of the referee’s stoppage.

Speaking with Sky Sports News today, Froch, 32-2-(23) said he will give the fans what they want as long as his trainer, Rob McCracken and his promoter, Eddie Hearn agree with the idea of a rematch.

“I’m happy to honour the crowd, fans and George Groves with a rematch if my trainer and promoter both agree,” Froch said. “I don’t swerve or duck anybody. If George wants a rematch and it makes sense, then of course we’ll get it on. It’s not my decision.”

With practically everyone associated with boxing calling last night’s stoppage a very bad/premature/controversial one – including retired great Joe Calzaghe, who has called the stoppage bulls**t – Froch may well be under fierce pressure to face Groves again. Meanwhile, Froch has spoken about how hard Groves hits.

“I had a slow start and got caught clean on the jaw with a very good right hand,” Froch said. “I was supposed to flatten George Groves in round one but got flattened myself, and I’m man enough to admit it. I got off the floor, I turned the fight around and I defended my title in style. I challenge any man to take that right hand off George Groves, get up and fight the way I did.”

Froch closed by saying how he plans to have a break over the Christmas period before looking at his next fight in 2014. Naturally, Groves, 19-1(15) wants that return chance.